eThekwini Municipality has approved a six-month extension of contracts for participants in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), ensuring that critical municipal services continue without interruption across the city.
The decision was taken during the municipality's Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting on Thursday, where several resolutions aimed at improving service delivery and accelerating key municipal programmes were adopted.
EPWP Workers To Continue Supporting Essential Services
In a statement issued after the meeting, the municipality said the contract extension complies with EPWP guidelines and will provide stability while maintaining service delivery ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
"EPWP participants play an important role in supporting a range of municipal programmes, including community safety, public health, water and sanitation services, waste management, environmental sustainability, social development and other frontline services that benefit residents across the city," the municipality said.
R53.49 Million Budget Approved
The six-month contract extension is backed by a R53.49 million budget, which includes:
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R7.49 million from the EPWP grant.
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R46 million from municipal funds.
The funding will support the continued employment of EPWP participants while helping the municipality maintain essential frontline services.
Municipality Reports Improved EPWP Oversight
EXCO also noted progress in strengthening the administration of the Expanded Public Works Programme following historical findings raised by the Auditor-General of South Africa relating to the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years.
According to the municipality, several corrective measures have been introduced to improve oversight, accountability and compliance.
These measures include:
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Strengthened verification processes.
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Ongoing monitoring of participants.
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Improved compliance controls.
The municipality said these interventions have resulted in no identified cases during the current financial year of payments to deceased beneficiaries, ghost participants or individuals employed by other organs of state.
